A trusted district. A proven model. A more flexible path.
Torrance Meridian Academy is a Torrance Unified charter school, co-designed with Sora Schools — bringing project-based, mastery-aligned learning to a tuition-free public charter school here in Southern California.
The District
Torrance Unified
A trusted school district serving Southern California families. Torrance Meridian Academy is a Torrance Unified charter school — with full district accountability, support services, and standards.
The Program
The Sora Program
Project-based curriculum, live small classes, mastery-based transcripts, and an advisor model — a proven instructional model, now available to families through Torrance Unified.
The Path
Guided independent study
Four days of live virtual instruction, Monday through Thursday, plus required Friday instructional activity with optional in-person enrichment — tutoring, guided physical education, advisor time, and community events.
A real California public charter school. No tuition — and for families in our eligible counties, no permit or transfer needed to attend.
2.
Excellent teacher-led instruction
Credentialed teachers leading live, small classes. Mastery-based progression. Not modules or self-paced workbooks.
3.
Project-based with Sora
Co-designed curriculum from one of the country’s leading project-based programs — interdisciplinary and rigorous.
4.
Guided independent study
Four live virtual days, plus Fridays for tutoring, enrichment, and community — a schedule that fits real family life.
5.
District accountability
A Torrance Unified charter school — an established district with full accountability, support services, and standards.
A DAY AT TORRANCE MERIDIAN
Example schedule
Live, project-based, and built around how students actually learn best.
A typical day, Monday through Thursday, in our secondary (grades 5–8) classes — small classes, real teachers, and time built in for the conversations and projects that matter. The schedule is predictable every day.
8:40 AM
Live Humanities Block
Small-group seminar led by a credentialed teacher exploring big questions and primary sources, such as why empires rise and fall.
10:40 AM
Live Math & STEM Block
Students tackle real-world project challenges by applying math, science, and creative problem-solving, like designing a public transit system for a city of two million people in 2075
1:00 PM
House Meeting
Academic check-ins or just to talk through the week.
1:30 PM
Deep Work & Project Time
Focused time for students to make meaningful progress on projects, apply feedback, and take ownership of their learning.
A DAY AT TORRANCE MERIDIAN
Example schedule
Live, project-based, and built around how students actually learn best.
A typical day, Monday through Thursday, in our secondary (grades 5–8) classes — small classes, real teachers, and time built in for the conversations and projects that matter. The schedule is predictable every day.
8:40 AM
Live Humanities Block
Small-group seminar led by a credentialed teacher exploring big questions and primary sources, such as why empires rise and fall.
10:40 AM
Live Math & STEM Block
Students tackle real-world project challenges by applying math, science, and creative problem-solving, like designing a public transit system for a city of two million people in 2075
1:00 PM
House Meeting
Academic check-ins or just to talk through the week.
1:30 PM
Deep Work & Project Time
Focused time for students to make meaningful progress on projects, apply feedback, and take ownership of their learning.
A DAY AT TORRANCE MERIDIAN
Example schedule
Live, project-based, and built around how students actually learn best.
A typical day, Monday through Thursday, in our secondary (grades 5–8) classes — small classes, real teachers, and time built in for the conversations and projects that matter. The schedule is predictable every day.
8:40 AM
Live Humanities Block
Small-group seminar led by a credentialed teacher exploring big questions and primary sources, such as why empires rise and fall.
10:40 AM
Live Math & STEM Block
Students tackle real-world project challenges by applying math, science, and creative problem-solving, like designing a public transit system for a city of two million people in 2075
1:00 PM
House Meeting
Academic check-ins or just to talk through the week.
1:30 PM
Deep Work & Project Time
Focused time for students to make meaningful progress on projects, apply feedback, and take ownership of their learning.
In-person Fridays
A variety of optional in-person enrichment activities.
On Fridays, your student will have the opportunity to join us at locations such as the beautiful North High School in Torrance, a California Distinguished School.
Fridays provide a true sense of belonging. Through a mix of dynamic activities and outings, students will co-learn with peers at premier community destinations and Torrance Unified facilities such as brand-new stadiums, eight-lane tracks, full performing arts centers, and an Olympic-quality aquatic center. No two Fridays look alike. One week might feature arts and theater; the next, an innovation or entrepreneurship workshop. Ultimately, students shape their own unique paths through one-on-one teacher mentorship, experiential field trips, and exciting community competitions like eSports and our annual Invention Convention.
A variety of optional in-person enrichment activities.
On Fridays, your student will have the opportunity to join us at locations such as the beautiful North High School in Torrance, a California Distinguished School.
Fridays provide a true sense of belonging. Through a mix of dynamic activities and outings, students will co-learn with peers at premier community destinations and Torrance Unified facilities such as brand-new stadiums, eight-lane tracks, full performing arts centers, and an Olympic-quality aquatic center. No two Fridays look alike. One week might feature arts and theater; the next, an innovation or entrepreneurship workshop. Ultimately, students shape their own unique paths through one-on-one teacher mentorship, experiential field trips, and exciting community competitions like eSports and our annual Invention Convention.
A variety of optional in-person enrichment activities.
On Fridays, your student will have the opportunity to join us at locations such as the beautiful North High School in Torrance, a California Distinguished School.
Fridays provide a true sense of belonging. Through a mix of dynamic activities and outings, students will co-learn with peers at premier community destinations and Torrance Unified facilities such as brand-new stadiums, eight-lane tracks, full performing arts centers, and an Olympic-quality aquatic center. No two Fridays look alike. One week might feature arts and theater; the next, an innovation or entrepreneurship workshop. Ultimately, students shape their own unique paths through one-on-one teacher mentorship, experiential field trips, and exciting community competitions like eSports and our annual Invention Convention.
"The teachers have done an exceptional job creating a learning experience that truly engages my son. The projects are meaningful, challenging, and bring together multiple skills at once, helping him make connections across subjects. We've seen tremendous growth in both his confidence and his learning, and it's clear that he's excited about what he's doing every day."
Parent of a student
"The teachers are incredible. They have a remarkable ability to engage students in a virtual environment, build strong relationships, and create a classroom culture where every child feels seen and supported. Their passion, creativity, and dedication make all the difference."
Parent of a student
"One of the biggest benefits has been the smaller learning environment. My son struggled in a large public school where the pace and social dynamics could feel overwhelming. Here, he has the space to learn at his own pace, build meaningful relationships, and focus on learning without all the noise. It's been a transformative experience for our family."
Parent of a student
"We love the project-based approach and how learning is connected to real life. Instead of completing assignments just to check a box, students are solving authentic problems, thinking critically, and applying what they're learning in meaningful ways. It has made school feel relevant and engaging."
Parent of a student
"This program provides the structure and academic rigor we were looking for while still giving our family the flexibility we need. My son benefits from a schedule that allows him to learn without the constant pressure and stress he experienced elsewhere. He is more confident, more independent, and genuinely happier."
Parent of a student
"My daughter was bored at her last school. Now, she doesn’t just learn about things, she makes things. She ran a whole research project herself."
Parent of a student
"The teachers have done an exceptional job creating a learning experience that truly engages my son. The projects are meaningful, challenging, and bring together multiple skills at once, helping him make connections across subjects. We've seen tremendous growth in both his confidence and his learning, and it's clear that he's excited about what he's doing every day."
Parent of a student
"We love the project-based approach and how learning is connected to real life. Instead of completing assignments just to check a box, students are solving authentic problems, thinking critically, and applying what they're learning in meaningful ways. It has made school feel relevant and engaging."
Parent of a student
"The teachers are incredible. They have a remarkable ability to engage students in a virtual environment, build strong relationships, and create a classroom culture where every child feels seen and supported. Their passion, creativity, and dedication make all the difference."
Parent of a student
"This program provides the structure and academic rigor we were looking for while still giving our family the flexibility we need. My son benefits from a schedule that allows him to learn without the constant pressure and stress he experienced elsewhere. He is more confident, more independent, and genuinely happier."
Parent of a student
"One of the biggest benefits has been the smaller learning environment. My son struggled in a large public school where the pace and social dynamics could feel overwhelming. Here, he has the space to learn at his own pace, build meaningful relationships, and focus on learning without all the noise. It's been a transformative experience for our family."
Parent of a student
"My daughter was bored at her last school. Now, she doesn’t just learn about things, she makes things. She ran a whole research project herself."
Parent of a student
"The teachers have done an exceptional job creating a learning experience that truly engages my son. The projects are meaningful, challenging, and bring together multiple skills at once, helping him make connections across subjects. We've seen tremendous growth in both his confidence and his learning, and it's clear that he's excited about what he's doing every day."
Parent of a student
"We love the project-based approach and how learning is connected to real life. Instead of completing assignments just to check a box, students are solving authentic problems, thinking critically, and applying what they're learning in meaningful ways. It has made school feel relevant and engaging."
Parent of a student
"The teachers are incredible. They have a remarkable ability to engage students in a virtual environment, build strong relationships, and create a classroom culture where every child feels seen and supported. Their passion, creativity, and dedication make all the difference."
Parent of a student
"This program provides the structure and academic rigor we were looking for while still giving our family the flexibility we need. My son benefits from a schedule that allows him to learn without the constant pressure and stress he experienced elsewhere. He is more confident, more independent, and genuinely happier."
Parent of a student
"One of the biggest benefits has been the smaller learning environment. My son struggled in a large public school where the pace and social dynamics could feel overwhelming. Here, he has the space to learn at his own pace, build meaningful relationships, and focus on learning without all the noise. It's been a transformative experience for our family."
Parent of a student
"My daughter was bored at her last school. Now, she doesn’t just learn about things, she makes things. She ran a whole research project herself."
Yes. Meridian Academy is a tuition-free Torrance Unified charter school. There is no tuition and no application fee.
My family is interested — what are the next steps?
Enrolling at Meridian Academy is easy — we’ll guide you through it. Fill out the interest form and a member of our team will be in touch about next steps. There’s no commitment; it’s simply the first step to learning more.
Do I need a permit or transfer from my current district?
No. Families in our eligible counties do not need a permit, release, or inter-district transfer to attend Meridian Academy.
Who is this school designed for?
Families in Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, San Bernardino and Ventura counties with students entering grades 5 through 8 in September 2026 — including student-athletes and performers who need flexibility, homeschool-based families who want real teachers, and families looking for a more engaging alternative to their current school. Grades 9–12 open in 2027.
How does the schedule actually work?
Live virtual classes with teachers, three hours a day, four days a week (Monday through Thursday). On Fridays, instructional activity is required, with optional in-person enrichment — tutoring, guided physical education, advisor time, and community activities.
What technology will students need?
A computer suitable for online learning and reliable internet access. If your family needs help meeting these requirements, let us know during the interest process and we’ll talk through the options available.
Is Friday required?
Instructional activity is expected on Fridays — students complete 240 instructional minutes. In-person enrichment on campus is optional, so families have flexibility in how Friday hours are met.
What about transcripts and the diploma path?
Mastery-based transcripts that show what your child knows and can do. State-aligned standards. Full district accountability through Torrance Unified — and a clear progression into high school.
My child has an IEP or 504 plan. Are services available?
Yes. Full IEP and 504 services are provided through Torrance Unified’s existing student support team — including dedicated case management, a family liaison, and academic counseling.
Take the next step.
Share a few details and we’ll follow up with next steps, schedule information, and ways to learn more — typically within one business day.
